BEATING THE BLUES

The recipe for Monday Blues

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TWO ROADS !

Today Monday, January 21 has been deemed as the gloomiest day of the year by Cliff Arnall, a psychologist who specialises in depressive disorders.
He said that being the gloomiest day, "the six factors, namely the weather; Christmas debt; a feeling of monotony after the Christmas cheer has faded; broken New Year's resolutions; low levels of motivation; and a desperate feeling that you need to act to improve your life, come together today to leave us at our most miserable."
The psychologist added that another factor is the fact that many are still reeling from the hangover of the long Christmas break and are still trying to get the groove of their routine.
A former academic at Cardiff University, Arnall said the best way to combat the blues is to simply stop moaning.
If you are a regular whinger or moaner about the weather or minor ailments, stop," he said. "It is boring and you are boring. Focus on the good things you do have in your life. If one of your limbs does not work, focus on the three that do."
Other tips include: stop seeing those you do not like; start saying "no" to unreasonable requests; and help others by doing voluntary work.
Mr. Arnall may be an ‘expert’ in matters of the human psyche but personally I’d rather hear the advice of the One who created us and knows us most intimately , ‘ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.(Psalm 139:13).
There is only one refuge from the pressures and distresses of everyday life, a secure place where we are sheltered from the storms of adversity. The Psalmist ,again speaking from his own hands on experience of the living God in the midst of turmoil boldly declares, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.” (Psalm 5:11-12). Jesus himself left the prescription for joy-filled living that contradicts the modern dictum of ‘if it feels good-do it’, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” (John 15:9-11). Of course the person who places his life in Jesus’ hands is not immune from trouble, in fact often the Christian believer will experience more opposition as he seeks to live a ‘righteous’ life but he also has the resources of the Living God within to assist and enable him. The brother of Jesus, James puts a unique perspective on the problem of dealing with hard times, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” (James 1:2-3) And the Apostle Paul compares our earthly life to a race which we need to run without encumbrance setting our eyes on Jesus the goal of our faith, and learning from His example of endurance and steadfastness. This is the path to real sustainable joy, a joy that is not dependent on circumstances or emotional responses, but a joy that is rooted in the Living God through His Son Jesus Christ. “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
So while today may be designated Bluesy Monday by the boffins, the really good news is that the Ancient of Days from whom Time itself proceeds , as always has a better idea ! In fact He has a plan for your life and mine hatched from eternity to banish the gloom and doom of our mortal state and replace it with life and joy in the Holy Spirit. Because God became one of us and incarnated Himself as Jesus of Nazareth, He knows our pain, He feels our emptiness and by His death on the cross He has defeated the powers of darkness that seek to encroach upon our lives. Simply put ,Jesus by His death and coming back to life again has once and for all defeated death and darkness and extends to each one the promise of an eternal and joy-filled life. The choice is yours and mine, to accept His gift or ignore it. We need to choose carefully, the stakes are high. Robert Frost famously wrote about “two roads diverging in the middle of a wood”, and choosing the “one less travelled on”. Later in his life Frost reflected that his decision “had made all the difference“, our response to Jesus’ work on the cross will make the difference between life and death to us, I believe. I pray we may all have the courage to choose Life and reap the rich reward that He has promised, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever .” (Psalm 16:11)

Gerard O'Shea